Mahkatop
Mahkatop — The belly button, located in the center of the abdomen, marks the spot where the umbilical cord was attached during infancy. Belly buttons come in two types: outies and innies. Outies are protruding belly buttons, commonly referred to as “bodong” in Indonesia, while innies are inward-facing belly buttons. Many people are unaware that belly buttons often accumulate dirt.
Dr. Nadia Alaydrus explains that cleaning the belly button is necessary since the average human navel harbors around 67 types of bacteria. “These bacteria come from dust, soap, sweat, and moisturizers that accumulate in the area. If left uncleaned, they can cause problems,” she said.
However, according to Dr. Nadia, cleaning the belly button doesn’t need to be done daily. “Once a week is sufficient to avoid issues like infections, irritation, and allergic reactions,” she added. It’s important to clean the belly button carefully to avoid injuring the area.
Cleaning the belly button can be done during a shower using soap and rinsing with water. Alternatively, a cotton bud dipped in baby oil, scrub, body scrub, or a wet cotton pad can be used. “Using a cotton bud with baby oil or a scrub can help maintain cleanliness without injuring the navel,” explained Dr. Nadia.
Dr. Nadia also emphasized the importance of hand hygiene before cleaning the belly button. “Make sure your hands are clean before touching the belly button area to avoid transferring bacteria from your hands to your navel,” she advised.
Additionally, for those with innie belly buttons, extra caution is needed as dirt can become more easily trapped. “Innie belly buttons tend to be more prone to dirt buildup, so they need to be cleaned more thoroughly,” said Dr. Nadia.
Therefore, maintaining regular and proper belly button hygiene is crucial to prevent health issues caused by bacterial buildup. “Keeping your belly button clean is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about health,” concluded Dr. Nadia.(*)
